Sulkhan Tsintsadze (1925 - 1992)

Written in 1967, his Sixth Quartet, which is presented here, constitutes one of Tsintsadze's finest creations: on the one hand, it represents the culmination in the development and maturation of the composer's individual style; on the other, it reflects his continued search for new means of expression. A composition consisting of one movement yet divided into five structurally open sections, with its development based on monothematic techniques that serve to integrate the parts into a whole, this quartet is written in a form close to that of rondo-sonata, with a prominent role being given to variadonal continuation. The first section, marked Andante sostenuto, in which the theme is expounded, is wrought with emotion; in the ensuing Allegro assai, the musical development is of a dramatic intensity that finds its culmination in the fugato; in the third section, also marked Andante sostenuto, the theme, filled with concealed sorrow, moves from sighs of lament to a rhythmic acceleration; in the Allegro schereando, which sounds not unlike a grotesque and fantastic dance, the theme is subsubjected to a number of contrapuntal devices; finally, in the Andante molto sostenuto, the theme returns in its tragic colouring, as if posing a question to which there comes no reply.

The Georgian State String Quartet is considered to be one of the finest ensembles in Georgia. Currently it is based in Germany. It was formed in 1967 and soon came to enjoy wide acclaim. Led by Konstantin Vardeli, with Tamaz Batiashvili (violin II), Nodar Zhvania (viola) and Otar Chubinishvili (cello), who are People's Artists of Georgia and professors at the Tbilisi State Conservatory, this quartet has won not only the Zakharia Paliashvili prize, the Republic's highest award, but prizes at several international competitions abroad, too. Welcome guests on the platforms of celebrated international concert halls, they tour widely throughout Europe, have made numerous recordings and, at the present time, are working on a contract basis in the German city of Ingolstadt.

Possessed of an extensive repertoire, they perform rich and varied programmes, including compositions from practically the whole range of quartet literature from early Classical works to contemporary avant-garde music. Not only are they outstanding interpreters of the quartets of Bartok and Shostakovich as well as of corn' positions by Schoenberg and Webern they also perform masterpieces of Georgian music, some of which are to be heard on this web-site.

Sulkhan Tsintsadze was one of Georgia's leading composers. He was awarded the People's Artist of Georgia (1961) and People's Artist of USSR (1987) titles and was a holder of the USSR State Prize (1950), Shota Rustaveli Prize (1981), Z. Paliashvili Prize (1977).

His major works are:

• 12 string quartets and miniatures for quartet (1947 - 1991).
  
• Two operas ("Gandegili" 1972).
  
• Five ballets ("Demon" 1961, "Reviser" 1982).
  
• Five symphonies (1952 - 1985).
  
• 24 preludes for cello and orchestra (1980) and violin and orchestra (1987).
  
• 2 concertos for piano and orchestra.
  
• 2 concertos for cello and orchestra.
  
• 2 concertos for violin and orchestra.
  
• 3 operettas ("ablabuda" - 1960, "simgera tkeshi" - 1967, "shveiki" - 1976).
  
• A lot of film-music.
  

Suliko        Sisatura        Shepherds Dance       Sachidao        Rural Dance        Indi Mindi        Firefly        A Nagging Wife

String quartet #2
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String quartet #3
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String quartet #4
The State Quartet of Georgian Radio and Television. Tamaz Batiashvili - 1-st violin, Konstantine Vardeli - 2nd violin, Nodar Jhvania- alto, Otar Chubinishvili - cello. Recorded in 1984. Tbilisi.
Part #1        Part #2        Part #3        Part #4

String quartet #5
Part #1        Part #2        Part #3

String quartet #6
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String quartet #7
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String quartet #8
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String quartet # 9
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String quartet #10. (“Polyphonic”). For two violins, alto, and cello. In five parts. The State String Quartet. Konstantine Vardeli - 1-st violin, Tamaz Batiashvili - 2nd violin, Nodar Jhvania- alto, Otar Chubinishvili - cello. Recorded in 1984. Tbilisi.
Part #1       
Part #2       
Part #3       
Part #4

String quartet # 11
The State String Quartet. Konstantine Vardeli - 1-st violin, Tamaz Batiashvili - 2nd violin, Nodar Jhvania- alto, Otar Chubinishvili - cello. Duration: 21:45. Recorded in 1984. Tbilisi.
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Concertino for cello and Chamber Orchestra
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Pieces for chello and piano (5 pieces)
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